matthew 24: end of the age

As a teen, I began to ask more questions and read more about various branches of Christianity. I came close to being a Catholic. Even the idea of becoming a monk had its appeal. I would listen to Gregorian Chant, Handel's Messiah, and other pieces of classical sacred music.

I recall in high school having to give a speech in front of the class. I remember even having to do speeches in elementary school. In Grade 12, we had to give a speech. I had been reading the Old and New Testament in terms of prophecy fulfilled (through Jesus) and unfulfilled (the return of Jesus). I really felt that these times were special, and that we were being given extra doses of spiritual/mental power/insight/inventivenss that resulted in the totally transformed urban and social landscapes. I didn't think that humanity had somehow become extra intelligent and extra inventive alone or as a result of a collective evolutionary leap (read: genetic mutation) en masse resulting in DNA genotypes that mapped into way smarter offspring and inventions -- one after and better than the former - in quick succession and in leaps and bounds. I mean, industrialization and inventions were happening on various continents by people far apart and quite independent of each other.

Is it possible that "advances" and scientific insights, new knowledge, new discoveries, new inspirations are due mainly from a release of thought grace from a superior Unseen Source, Thought Provider?

Anyway, sensing that these times were drastically different from older days, I felt that this was a sign that the promised return of Jesus in the glory of the Father, who would "guide us unto all knowledge" was close at hand.

Here is one prophecy, from Matthew 24, wherein we see that the Christian era -- like all religious eras -- comes to an "end" and opens unto a time of wonderous fulfilment. Candles and light bulbs don't burn forever. Even stellar systems expand and collapse, stars die. In the case of religion, everything is subject to the rhythm of growth, expansion, flourishing, decline and decay. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna talks of sending a new Avatar or Messenger whenever there is a decline in righteousness.

Here is the part from Matthew 24. It has been translated from the Greek.

When we investigate religious history, we find that a fresh impetus and revelation started in Persia in 1844. Indeed, Christian around the world, the Templars on the slopes of Mount Carmel, and Christian scholars from many places around the world that the "the end" ("the return") of Jesus' promise was imminent. But when he didn't appear in the sky and when they had no news of any notable new messenger popping up anywhere, they believed they had miscalculated based on the prophecies.

But their calculations were correct. It's just that the Spirit of God returned with a new name, The Glory of God.